He plans to reduce his barley output, which usually comprises 30 per cent of his crop.

While China’s brewers and maltsters preferred Australian barley, Mr Turton said they wouldn’t pay the much-higher prices caused by the tariff and instead turn to supplies from Europe and North America.

He strongly encourages the federal government to appeal to the World Trade Organisation, an option Trade Minister Simon Birmingham is keeping open.

“The industry would certainly support the government in its efforts,” the farmer said.

I think we’ve been a bit of a soft target.

Beijing announced the tariffs on Monday, confirming the industry’s worst fears over an investigation that began in 2018 into allegations Australia “dumped” barley too cheaply into China, hurting domestic production.

The slug comprises a 73.6 per cent “dumping” tax and a 6.9 per cent tariff on supposed Australian government subsidies.

The Commonwealth has stressed the trade dispute is a separate issue to Australia being among the first nations to call for answers from China about the origin of COVID-19, but those in the industry could “join the dots“, Mr Turton says.